Cisco to set up research centre in Qatar

Cisco's promised yet more regional investment today, with the announcement that it will establish a research and technology centre at the Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP).

The project was announced as part of a meeting between Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al Missned and John Chambers, CEO and chairman of Cisco.

The centre will cost approximately $40 million, spread over three years, and will be used to work with the Qatar Foundation on projects to develop Qatar's knowledge economy. The first collaboration will be on ‘Project iQ', which aims to create a collaborative platform that can be used by the Qatar Foundation to work with other organizations around the globe on research, education, health and youth employment initiatives.

QSTP Executive Chairman, Dr Tidu Maini said: "Networks are an essential part of business, education, and communications technologies. We are very pleased to embark on a major research initiative with Cisco to help transform Qatar's ability to access and share information across technical and national boundaries."

Paul Mountford, president, Emerging Markets for Cisco said: "Qatar Foundation has earned a well-deserved reputation as a leader in providing innovative solutions and improving the lives of the citizens of Qatar. We are committed to working with Qatar Foundation to help improve the development of human capital and technology by transforming the education strategy through technology in Qatar and across the region."